All Decked Out

Summertime Al Fresco Fun

“Al fresco” is an Italian phrase meaning “in the cool.”

Summer is the time to shed the extra layers, shake any lingering mud season blues and emerge into the fresh mountain air for some al fresco dining fun! Whether you’re looking for an after-bike brunch, a “hiking and hops” happy hour beer bash or even some open-air yoga sun salutations, celebrate the season with a “coming-out” party and get all decked out at some of these cool outdoor hot spots.

Big Cottonwood Canyon’s rustic log Silver Fork Lodge has a rich history, dating back to the 1850’s mining heyday when the lodge served as a general store for the large tent city of miners and sawmill workers. Silver Fork Lodge’s south-facing deck is European infl uenced with sheepskins, table heaters, fi re pits, shade sails and string lighting, and it off ers a sweeping view of the canyon including Fantasy Ridge and Honeycomb Canyon. Stop by for a traditional miners’ breakfast of sourdough pancakes made from their original 70-year old sourdough starter, or enjoy dinner under the stars with popular entrees like the Canyon Pepper Steak au Poivre with brandy and Major Grey Chutney or the Vegetarian Pasta in Basil Cream Sauce.
Silver Fork Lodge | 11332 Big Cottonwood Canyon Road, Brighton | 801-533-9977

Winner of Utah’s “Best of State Awards” for Best American Pub and Best Gourmet Burger, Draft s Burger Bar’s wraparound greenhouse-like deck is open all year long. Located at the Canyons Park City base area, DBB features more than 50 beers from around the world, specialty cocktails, a diverse wine list and fun drinks for the kids including special milkshakes. Work up an appetite on a nearby trail, then relax at this patio with an amazing burger like the Vote for Pedro, topped with chile relleno, pepper jack cheese, pico de gallo, avocado, smoked queso, fried jalapeno and lettuce, or a BBQ Pulled Pork sandwich. Drafts Burger Bar
3000 Canyons Resort Drive, Park City
435-655-2270

If golf is your favored summer activity, there’s no better deck than Ruth’s Chris Steak House. Overlooking the putting green and the backdrop of Park City Mountain, Ruth’s Chris covered deck is the perfect place to gather with a foursome before or aft er a round of golf or to relax over a gourmet meal of Filet & Lobster. For a light repast, try the popular Crab Stack, Chilled Seafood Tower or fresh Harvest Salad.
Ruth’s Chris Steak House
2001 Park Avenue, Park City
435-940-5070

Loco Lizard Cantina is the place to go for a fiesta of flavors—delicious Mexican cuisine from traditional favorites like tacos and enchiladas to more complex moles, Camarones del Fuego or kid-approved Lizard Legs. Beat the heat and enjoy killer margaritas, local draft beers and house-made chips, salsas, tamales and tortillas on their shaded patio and get refreshed by the sound and mist from the patio’s large Mexican style fountain.
Loco Lizard
1612 Ute Blvd., Park City
435-645-7000

Savor a seasonal gem, like Pistachio Crusted Trout, at one of the oldest and most distinguished restaurants. Executive Chef, Seth Adams, creates culinary masterpieces at the Riverhorse on Main. With its trendy urban vibe and live music, relax and enjoy a summer meal along with a handcraft ed cocktail on their deck, overlooking historic Main Street and beautiful mountain vistas. Riverhorse Restaurant
540 Main Street, Park City
435-649-3536

Summer BBQ’s on the patio are back! Overlooking the beautiful Park City Mountains, join Bandannas and staff for a great way to start a weekend. Every Friday and Saturday night 5:30 to 9 pm. Bandannas Bar & Grill
2001 Park Avenue,
Park City, (located in the Hotel Park City)
435-940-5090

Head to the No Name Saloon’s rooft op deck for a perfect parade view of Main Street and Old Town, where space heaters keep the chill off while you’re qua ffi ng your favorite brew and watching your team’s sports events on the outdoor big-screen TVs. Known for its original Buff alo Burger, sports fans will also enjoy daily specials, awesome chicken wings and Stab & Grab Tater Tots loaded with chili and cheese. No Name Saloon
447 Main Street, Park City
435-649-6667

The Boneyard’s spacious rooft op deck is the place to go for live music, over 100 draft and bottled beers, custom cocktails, Damn Fine Wine from adjoining Wine Dive, fresh salads and entrees and artisan pizzas cooked on their wood-fi red grill. Th e Wine Dive’s wines by the glass and small plates menu items are also available. It’s the place to be for summer Sun-day brunch or rooft op yoga and Bloody Marys. Boneyard
1251 Kearns Blvd., Park City
435-649-0911

Nestled beneath beautiful trees is the lovely patio of Good Karma. A perfect spot for lunch or dinner. Serving fabulous Indo-Persian Cuisine. Our favorites are Chef Gohary Curries and his Breakfast Quiches. Good Karma
1782 Prospector Avenue, Park City
435-658-0958

If you’re looking for a Main Street location, try the patio at The Mustang on lower Main Street’s Summit Watch Plaza. Chefs Dustin Stein and Gregory Dills team up to share their passion for culinary perfection, earn-ing the distinction of being voted one of the top ten restaurants in Utah. Popular menu items include the Southwestern Duck Chile Relleno, Steamed Mussels & Saff ron and the pan-seared Maine Scallops with a Monterey Jack cheese, spinach and bacon tart. Save room for a dessert of Fresh Mixed Berries and Crème Anglaise.
Mustang
890 Main Street, Park City
435-658-3975

The Spur Bar & Grill’s enclosed deck boasts a fi replace, heaters and heated floors, ensuring that guests will be comfortable despite the vagaries of mountain summer weather. Live music is a staple of Th e Spur Bar & Grill as are tasty menu items like the Jambalaya Mac & Cheese, Poke Tostadas, Drunken Chicken and Th igh Land, a Th ai chicken meatball banh mi sandwich on an Amoroso roll. The patio can be reserved for private events.
The Spur Bar & Grill
352 Main Street, Park City
435-615-1618

If you’re in Midway, experience the hospitality and warmth of Midway Mercantile. Chef/owner John Platt and his wife Sandra have created an idyllic space at historic Bonner’s Corner on Midway’s Main Street. Gather with friends on the secluded back patio, or opt for a table next to the front dining room’s sliding wall of windows overlooking Main Street and bask in the setting sun with a majestic view of Mt. Timpanogos.
Midway Mercantile
99 E. Main Street, Midway
435-315-4151

For a tree-lined shady sanctuary and the best Sunday brunch around, head to Main Street Social lodged in a historic 1888 building in downtown Heber. The “build your own” Bloody Mary Bar features flavored vodkas, a variety of salts to rim your glass and a cornucopia of garnishes ranging from shrimp to celery, peppers to pickles, fresh to fried and even cheesy toppings to choose from; Sundays’ “Brunch with Benefits” event supports the local Paws for Life animal rescue organization. Th e outdoor patio boasts seating for 70, fire pits for seasonal sunset dining and is the stage for the “Music on the Patio” summer series on Wednesday and Saturday nights. Owners/Chefs Vanessa and Ashley Chapman’s rotating menu of summer’s freshest farm-to-table ingredients can be enjoyed at the new interactive seating area near the outdoor kitchen.
Main Street Social
98 South Main Street, Heber City
435-657-6534